Hundreds Of College Students Gather In New York To Fight Anti-Semitism

Over 300 students were present in New York City Sunday for a conference held by Combat Anti-Semitism (CAM), a nonprofit focused on ways to identify and combat anti-Semitism on college campuses. 

The “Rise & Respond: Global Student Summit Against Antisemitism” addressed anti-Semitism present at universities amid the failure of college administrators to protect Jewish students and faculty from discrimination, harassment, and even violence. (RELATED: Elite University Donations Hit A Wall Amid Antisemitism Criticisms)

This is Jewish resilience in action.

At the Global Students Summit against antisemitism, hosted by @CombatASemitism, 350 students from across the globe stood united—hands raised in the Jewish Resilience Sign, inspired by Emily Damari.

Emily endured 471 days in Hamas captivity… pic.twitter.com/v7L8nKl4BC

— Sacha Roytman (@SachaRoytman) March 23, 2025

Anti-Semitism has been on the rise on college campuses across the country, jeopardizing the safety of college students and faculty. Since October 7, 2023, 73% of Jewish college students in the United States report having experienced anti-Semitism, according to the Anti-Defamation League. 

Organizers at the summit awarded CAM’S student Activist Award to Michael Kaminsky, a junior at DePaul University, according to a press release. Kaminsky had been physically assaulted on campus by masked assailants in broad daylight, while a university safety officer stood nearby and failed to intervene.

Kaminsky later became a become a vocal advocate for the Jewish community, urging attendees to confront hate and draw strength from their legacy of resilience. 

“That day, I understood the hardships my family endured under Nazi and Soviet oppression and decided I must use the strength they passed down to me. Instead of hiding, I spoke out…History will remember those who stood up to fight for our civil rights and will hold those accountable who were complacent in the face of atrocities, for we are not Jews with trembling knees,” said Kaminsky.

The conference also featured speeches from notable figures, including Republican New York Rep. Claudia Tenney, who emphasized the need for federal action against campus antisemitism and the importance of standing firm against hate, the press release noted. (RELATED: Banner Announcing Jewish Speaker At University Vandalized With Pro-Palestinian Graffiti Within Hours)

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, reminded students at the summit that they have to be persistent despite the challenges presented to them by their schools.

“When your universities refuse to protect you, make them answer to you. When student governments push anti-Israel resolutions, challenge them. Fight them. When they try to erase the truth or the facts, remind them that we are here. The Jewish people have never backed down from a fight, and we will not start now,” Danon stated. 

Deputy Mayor of New York City for Public Safety, Kaz Daughtry, reminded students of New York City’s commitment to combatting anti-Semitism, according to the press release. 

“When that speech crosses the line, when that speech and protests start to shut down our city, as the deputy mayor for public safety, I will make sure that everybody is held accountable” Daughtry remarked.

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30: The US Flag flies above a sign marking the US Department of Justice (DOJ) headquarters building on January 20, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Photo by J. David Ake/Getty Images)

Some of the instances of anti-Semitism on college campuses have been addressed by the Trump administration’s recently shuttered Department of Education which is currently witholding over $400 million taxpayer dollars from Columbia University over its failure to address anti-Semitism. 

Just last week, Columbia University alumni Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for his participation in a protest that promoted pro-Hamas rhetoric on campus. Khalil is being detained in an ICE detention facility in his home state of Louisiana.